Assessing the Determinants of Adopting Urban Tree Planting as Climate Change Mitigation Strategy in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to explore the determinants of adopting urban tree planting as a method of reducing climate change in the metropolis of Enugu. The 823 respondents were chosen using a multistage random selection process. Logistic regression and descriptive statistics were employed in analysing the data. The study results indicated that the majority (53%) of the respondents were male, with an average age of 36 years. The majority of the households were aware of climate change, since they perceived extreme weather events like drought, a decrease in rainfall, and a rise in temperature. Moreover, the majority of the households experienced a decline in agricultural productivity, a reduction in farm returns, and a rise in unemployment during peak seasons. The mitigation strategy adopted by households for climate change is urban tree planting, and this contributes positively to livelihood improvement. Furthermore, the study results showed that the price of the tree, access to information on the changing climate, access to water, use and access of trees, and occupation positively influenced households’ decisions in adopting urban tree planting. Therefore, we recommend that stakeholders such as governments must promote the delivery of agricultural extension and advisory services by improving their climate information systems, among other strategies to boost their all-inclusive adaptation to the effects of climate change.